New proteins "out of nothing"
Proteins are the key component in all modern forms of life. Hemoglobin, for example, transports the oxygen in our blood; photosynthesis proteins in the leaves of plants convert sunlight into energy; and fungal enzymes help us to brew beer and bake br.....»»
Missing link explains mRNA delivery in brain cells
Brain cells manufacture proteins in every corner, including their long branches. Neurons missing this ability cause severe neurological disorders like disability and epilepsy. The groups of Marino Zerial, Max Planck Institute (MPI) of Molecular Cell.....»»
Essential process for SARS-CoV-2 viral replication visualized
During the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a long string of connected proteins is cleaved apart into individual proteins. This process is interrupted by an FDA-approved drug to treat COVID-19; however, the mechanistic details of this cleavage pr.....»»
Team develops novel algorithm for sharper protein films
Proteins are biological molecules that perform almost all biochemical tasks in all forms of life. In doing so, the tiny structures perform ultra-fast movements. In order to investigate these dynamic processes more precisely than before, researchers h.....»»
How the power of protein is being uncovered
Artificial intelligence has transformed research into proteins and promises new drugs and materials......»»
Finally delicious: New proteins to revolutionize gluten-free baked goods
Gluten is one of the largest natural proteins and has fantastic properties: It keeps a well-cooked dough airy until baking stabilizes the open-pore structure. Prof. Dr. Mario Jekle from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart is working on processes.....»»
Simulation tools drive the new generation of therapies based on gene silencing
Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body and are produced following the instructions encoded in DNA. By reading their DNA letters, cells produce an intermediate RNA molecule that will give rise to the correspond.....»»
Long-sought universal flu vaccine: mRNA-based candidate enters clinical trial
The phase I trial will test safety and efficacy in a small number of people. Enlarge / The flu virus, showing the H and N proteins on its surface. (credit: CDC) An mRNA-based flu vaccine designed to offer long-lasting p.....»»
Tiny proteins found across the animal kingdom may play a key role in cancer spread
Phosphatases of regenerating liver (PRLs) are a family of enigmatic proteins involved in cell growth and metabolism present in various species. From humans to fruit flies, they play a unique role in the growth of cancerous tumors and the spread of ca.....»»
Novel AI-based software enables quick and reliable imaging of proteins in cells
Electron cryo-tomography (cryo-ET) is emerging as a powerful technique to provide detailed 3D images of cellular environments and enclosed biomolecules. However, one of the challenges of the methodology is the identification of protein molecules in t.....»»
Study unveils mysterious nature of RNA editing in plants
RNA (ribonucleic acid) editing is an important process for maintaining essential functions of encoded proteins at the RNA level. Recent studies show that RNA editing is a widespread phenomenon that occurs in various land plants, including the liverwo.....»»
New technique enables in-vivo analysis of protein complexes
As the executor of life activities, proteins exert their specific biological functions through interactions such as forming protein complexes. The localization effects, crowding effects, and organelle microenvironments within cells are crucial for ma.....»»
New imaging approach visualizes how applying force to proteins alters complex formations
Most researchers today understand biology through the principles of biochemistry. Cells communicate and activate processes via chemical signals, and traditional medicine has long focused on how to treat disease by modifying those signals......»»
Researchers use generative AI to design novel proteins
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed an artificial intelligence system that can create proteins not found in nature using generative diffusion, the same technology behind popular image-creation platforms such as DALL-E and Midjourn.....»»
Time-resolved crystallography for the masses
Scientists from four research institutes in the Science City Hamburg Bahrenfeld have joined forces to develop a ground-breaking experimental setup. Their new Spitrobot greatly simplifies observing changes in proteins as they carry out their functions.....»»
Cellular traffic controllers caught managing flow of signals from receptors
Proteins that act like air traffic controllers, managing the flow of signals in and out of human cells, have been observed for the first time with unprecedented detail using advanced microscopy techniques......»»
Hijacking strategy mapped for hundreds of viruses
One strategy that viruses use to take over a host cell is to mimic small parts of the cell's proteins called motifs. In a new study coordinated from Uppsala University, researchers have used a new method and doubled the available information on how v.....»»
Scientists develop plant-based cell culture scaffold for cheaper, more sustainable cultured meat
A research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has successfully used common plant proteins to 3D-print an edible cell culture scaffold, allowing more affordable and sustainable lab-grown meat to be served on the table......»»
Proteins Never Seen in Nature Are Designed Using AI to Address Biomedical and Industrial Problems Unsolved by Evolution
Bioengineers are drawing on rapidly evolving machine learning tools, deep reservoirs of data, and the firepower of a program called AlphaFold2 to pursue more sophisticated de novo protein designs.....»»
How a single enzyme unleashes a complex DNA repair process
Our DNA is constantly exposed to damaging factors that can lead to aging and age-related diseases such as cancer. PARP1 is an important enzyme that facilitates the response to DNA damage by attaching chemical groups called ADP-ribose to proteins. Pub.....»»
Structural insight into process of gene regulation
In the cell nucleus, numerous proteins bind to the DNA molecule in order to regulate the activity of certain genes. One of these is the TATA-box binding protein (TBP), which binds to a specific DNA sequence and constitutes an initial signal for the r.....»»